Victoria Clipper Pier 69
Scenic ferry service from Seattle to Victoria, BC, offering whale watching and a gateway to charming Canadian city.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Victoria Clipper Pier 69
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic ferry service from Seattle to Victoria, BC, offering whale watching and a gateway to charming Canadian city.
"This was such a great way to visit Victoria. The ride is smooth and the views are spectacular."
🎯 Book VIP for Perks
Upgrade to VIP for separate check-in and free refreshments. Get there an hour early! :ticket:
🌊 Smooth Sailing
The wave-piercing hull makes for a surprisingly smooth ride, even for those prone to seasickness. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Salish Sea Cruise
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest coastline and marine life during your journey.
Whale Watching Excursions
Spot orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and seals on an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
High Tea at the Empress
Indulge in a classic afternoon tea experience at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Best Seats
Factor in Travel Time & Customs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book VIP for Perks
Upgrade to VIP for separate check-in and free refreshments. Get there an hour early! :ticket:
🌊 Smooth Sailing
The wave-piercing hull makes for a surprisingly smooth ride, even for those prone to seasickness. :ocean:
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is beautiful even without wildlife. Great ocean views of Seattle skyline too! :camerawithflash:
🛍️ Onboard Souvenirs
Grab fun souvenirs on board to remember your trip to Canada.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book VIP for Perks
Upgrade to VIP for separate check-in and free refreshments. Get there an hour early! :ticket:
🌊 Smooth Sailing
The wave-piercing hull makes for a surprisingly smooth ride, even for those prone to seasickness. :ocean:
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is beautiful even without wildlife. Great ocean views of Seattle skyline too! :camerawithflash:
🛍️ Onboard Souvenirs
Grab fun souvenirs on board to remember your trip to Canada.
🚶♀️ Walkable Victoria
Victoria is super walkable with lots of history and delicious food. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the Victoria Clipper for its relaxing and scenic journey, offering a stress-free way to cross the US-Canada border. Highlights include potential wildlife sightings like whales and sea lions, comfortable onboard amenities, and the convenience of arriving directly in downtown Victoria. Many recommend it for day trips and longer stays alike.
"This by far was one of the most relaxing and fun vacation trips yet. The staff aboard this yacht was very professional and gave great recommendations.
We bought the High Tea at the Empress package, and it was fabulous. Great shopping and excited to see Canada again.
The most beautiful & tranquil things were enjoying the relaxation of the boat ride, unexpected Orca whales jumping, seeing a Naval ship coming into Port (so honorable) and enjoying a relaxing time in Canada. Great oceanside take of Entry to Port of Seattle skyline as well.
Highly recommended!!! , but will stay longer (2 to 3 days) next time to see more"
Hill Hilliard
"This was such a great way to visit Victoria. I flew from NC to Seattle, took the Clipper to Victoria and had a blast. Snack bar, plenty of luggage storage and fun souvenirs on board. The process was fast and seamless. The staff were great. No outdoor seating. You can stand. It was an excellent option for crossing the US/CA boarder."
Evangeline Weiss
"This is so much less stressful than driving or flying. The ride is smooth and the views are spectacular. I highly recommend the top deck upgrade for the vip separate check in line and free refreshments. Get there an hour early and you’ll be fine. I wouldn’t cut it too close though."
Robert Schuster
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Victoria Clipper Pier 69 is conveniently located in downtown Seattle. You can easily reach it by walking, taxi, rideshare, or public transportation. Many hotels are within walking distance.
The primary and most scenic option is the Victoria Clipper ferry, which offers direct service from Seattle Pier 69 to Victoria's Belleville Terminal. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Yes, the Victoria Clipper uses wave-piercing technology, making the ride generally smooth and comfortable, even for those who might be sensitive to motion.
Absolutely! The ferry has plenty of luggage storage space, making it easy to bring bags for a day trip or a longer stay.
The direct ferry ride on the Victoria Clipper takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Remember to factor in time for boarding and disembarking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your Victoria Clipper tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or weekends, to secure your preferred sailing time and seating.
Yes, while standard seating is comfortable, you can opt for a VIP upgrade which includes separate check-in and complimentary refreshments for a more exclusive experience.
Operating hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Victoria Clipper website for the most up-to-date schedule and departure times.
While you can often purchase tickets at the pier, booking online in advance is strongly advised to guarantee availability and potentially better pricing.
Ticket prices can vary based on the season, day of the week, and any special packages. Check the Victoria Clipper website for current pricing and promotions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Victoria offers a wealth of attractions, including the Royal BC Museum, Butchart Gardens, the Inner Harbour, and charming shops. It's also very walkable with great food options.
Yes, the ferry route offers excellent opportunities to spot marine life like orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and seals, especially during whale watching tours.
The ferry has a snack bar, drinks, and a bar onboard, offering a selection of refreshments and light snacks for purchase during your journey.
While there isn't dedicated outdoor seating, passengers can often stand and enjoy the views from certain areas of the ship.
Take the morning Clipper, enjoy High Tea at the Empress, explore the Inner Harbour, and perhaps visit a local market before catching an evening ferry back to Seattle.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire journey offers stunning photo ops, from the Seattle skyline upon departure to the coastal scenery and potential wildlife sightings.
Absolutely! The whale watching tours are designed for incredible wildlife photography. Remember to use a zoom lens for the best shots.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of other passengers and crew instructions.
Morning departures offer beautiful light for capturing the Seattle skyline, while afternoon or evening trips can provide stunning sunset views.
A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended for wildlife photography. A waterproof bag is also a good idea in case of sea spray.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once in Victoria, the city offers attractions like the Royal BC Museum and the Inner Harbour, which are generally kid-friendly. Consider packing snacks and drinks, though options are available onboard. 💰 Budget Travelers
Look for affordable dining options away from the main tourist hubs. couples
Consider the VIP upgrade for a more intimate experience with complimentary refreshments. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Victoria Clipper Experience
The onboard amenities, including a snack bar and gift shop, add to the convenience and enjoyment of the trip. For those seeking adventure, the Clipper also offers specialized whale watching tours. These excursions depart from downtown Seattle and can last 4-5 hours, taking you to areas where whales are frequently spotted. Travelers have reported seeing orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and seals, making for an unforgettable wildlife encounter. The crew is knowledgeable and committed to respectful wildlife viewing, even intervening when other boats approach too quickly.
Beyond the journey, the Clipper serves as a gateway to Victoria, BC, a city praised for its walkability, rich history, and excellent dining scene. Popular activities include indulging in High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel and exploring the charming Inner Harbour. Many visitors recommend extending their stay to fully appreciate all that Victoria has to offer.
Planning Your Day Trip to Victoria
Once in Victoria, the city is highly walkable from the Belleville Terminal. A classic experience is to head to the Fairmont Empress Hotel for High Tea, a quintessential Victorian tradition.
Remember that you will be crossing an international border, so ensure you have the necessary identification. While the ferry ride itself is generally smooth thanks to its design, if you are prone to seasickness, consider bringing medication. Many travelers find the experience far less stressful than flying or driving, making it an ideal short escape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit